Full Stack Software Developer
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Full Stack Software Developer to join the development team at the Penn State University Libraries. This is an opportunity to work on impactful projects as part of a high-performing, agile team.
Penn State is a leading R1 research institution, and the University Libraries play a central role in supporting the university’s research enterprise. In this role, you will collaborate with innovative developers to build and maintain sustainable discovery and repository services that enable researchers to discover, manage, share, and preserve scholarship and data. These platforms support the mission of discovery, access, and preservation for a world-class research library with a global reach.
As a developer, you will:
Collaborate with teammates to design, develop, and deploy sustainable software solutions
Contribute to full-stack development using clean, maintainable, and well-tested code
Work across the full project lifecycle, balancing technical requirements and stakeholder needs
Share knowledge and contribute positively to a collaborative development culture
Engage with open-source communities such as the Rails and Blacklight ecosystems
Grow professionally through training, code sprints, and conference participation
QUALIFICATIONS
Qualified candidates will demonstrate experience across several of the following areas:.
Required
Experience building web applications using Ruby on Rails or a similar web framework
Experience with distributed version control systems such as Git
Experience working in Unix/Linux environments and command-line interfaces
Familiarity with web accessibility standards and guidelines
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team and open-source communities
Interest in learning new technologies and expanding technical skills
Preferred
Degree in related field such as computer science, information systems, etc.
Experience with CI/CD pipelines
Exposure to frontend frameworks such as React, Bootstrap, or Hotwire
Experience with development and deployments in containerized environments
Experience with package management tools and asset bundlers (e.g., Webpack)
Solid understanding of MVC design patterns
Experience with digital repository platforms, including Blacklight
Experience with agile development practices
Familiarity with library systems and metadata formats
Experience with search and indexing platforms such as Solr or Elasticsearch
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Applications Developer - Professional, this position requires:
Associate Degree
No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education.
Required Certifications:
None

If filled as Applications Developer - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:
Associate Degree
2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $51,000.00 - $89,600.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
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